Animated toy

ABSTRACT

An animated plastic toy comprises a hollow base representing an animal&#39;&#39;s body which contains an animation mechanism or actuating means. A manually movable vertical rod or operating handle connected to the mechanism extends upwardly from the body. A lightweight movable member representing the animal&#39;&#39;s head is slidably mounted on the rod and normally rests on a spring-load movable actuation member of the animation mechanism extending from the base. When the rod is pressed axially downwardly for a short predetermined distance, the said actuation member of the animation mechanism and the animal&#39;&#39;s head move downwardly therewith. Further downward movement of the rod then triggers a releasable latch means in the animation mechanism so that the said actuation member thereof springs upwardly abruptly causing the animal&#39;&#39;s head to slide or jump rapidly upwardly along the rod and then fall back in place. Upon release of downward pressure, the rod returns to normal position and the latch means of the animation mechanism automatically resets for the next operation. The animal&#39;&#39;s head is provided with large pivotably mounted ears which flop or rotate as the head springs upwardly. A sounding device in the base emits a sound each time the said portion of the animation mechanism is depressed and released.

United States Patent 1 Thornell Jan. 16, 1973 [54] ANIMATED TOY [75]inventor: Ernest L. Thornell, l-loricon, Wis.

[73] Assignee: Marlin Toy Products, Inc., Horicon,

Wis.

[22] Filed: March 1, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 230,648

[52] U.S.Cl ..46/l18 [5 1] Int. Cl. ..A63h 5/00 [58] Field of Search..46/118, 119, 145; 272/8 P [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS3,369,811 2/1968 Glass et al. ..46/1 18 X 3,162,440 12/1964 Argiro..46/1l8 X Primary Examiner-Louis G. Mancene Assistant ExaminerD. L.Weinhold Attorney-James E. Niles [5 7 ABSTRACT An animated plastic toycomprises a hollow base representing an animals body which contains ananimation mechanism or actuating means. A manually movable vertical rodor operating handle connected to the mechanism extends upwardly from thebody. A lightweight movable member representing the animals head isslidably mounted on the rod and normally rests on a spring-load movableactuation member of the animation mechanism extending from the base.When the rod is pressed axially downwardly for a short predetermineddistance, the said actuation member of the animation mechanism and theanimals head move downwardly therewith. Further downward movement of therod then triggers a releasable latch means in the animation mechanism sothat the said actuation member thereof springs upwardly abruptly causingthe animals head to slide or jump rapidly upwardly along the rod andthen fall back in place. Upon release of downward pressure, the rodreturns to normal position and the latch means of the animationmechanism automatically resets for the next operation. The animals headis provided with large pivotably mounted ears which flop or rotate asthe head springs upwardly. A sounding device in the base emits a soundeach time the said portion of the animation mechanism is depressed andreleased.

9 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEU JAN 1 6 I975 SHEET 2 OF 5 ANIMATEDTOY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Use This invention relatesgenerally to animated toys with sounding means therein.

2. Description of the Prior Art A wide variety of animated sounding toysare commercially available or known. In many, the animation and soundingeffects depend on imparting a rolling motion to the toy, winding it upby means of a spring, or using electric batteries as a source of power.Such toys often require a relatively large space in order for thedesired effects to be produced and require substantial movement andeffort by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, thereis provided an animated sounding plastic toy which comprises a hollowplastic base representing an animal's body which contains an actuatingmeans or animation mechanism. A manually movable vertical rod oroperating handle connected to the mechanism extends upwardly from thebody. A lightweight movable member representing the animals head isslidably mounted on the rod and normally rests on a spring-load movableactuation member of the animation mechanism extending from the base.When the rod is pressed axially downwardly for a short predetermineddistance, the said actuation member of the animation mechanism and theanimals head move downwardly therewith. Further downward movement of therod then triggers a releasable latch means in the animation mechanism sothat the said actuation member thereof springs upward abruptly causingthe animals head to slide or jump rapidly upwardly along the rod andthen fall back in place. Upon release of downward pressure, the rodreturns to normal position and the latch means of the animationmechanism automatically resets for the next operation. The animals headis provided with large pivotably mounted cars which flop or rotate asthe head springs upwardly. A sounding device in the base emits a soundeach time the said portion of the animation mechanism is depressed andreleased.

The actuating means or animation mechanism comprises the aforesaidspring-Ioaded actuation member which takes the form of a first member orcylinder which is vertically movable in a cylindrical housing rigidlysecured within the hollow base. The upper end of the actuation memberextends from an opening in the base. A cylindrically shaped biasing orcompression type action spring is disposed in the housing between thelower end of the actuation member and the floor of the base. Means areprovided to limit upward travel of the actuation member and comprisecooperating flanges on the actuation member and on the housing. Theactuation member is also provided with an internal annular collar orlatch engagement means which serves as a means whereby it is depresseddownwardly. A second movable member or cylinder is disposed in slidingengagement within the first cylinder and is provided with rodattachments means at its upper end to which the rod is secured. Thesecond cylinder is provided with two oppositely disposed holes in itsside wall through which the ends of a releasable latch means in the formof a flexible plastic latch or leaf spring extend and engage the uppersurface of the annular collar of the actuation member. A cylindricallyshaped biasing or compression type return spring is disposed between thelatch spring and the floor of the base. The latch spring is providedwith a stem on its upper side which slidably engages a hole in the upperportion of the second cylinder and serves to support and properly locatethe latch spring. A cylindrically shaped balancing spring is disposed onthe stem between the upper portion of the second cylinder and the top ofthe latch spring to limit and control upward travel of the latch spring.A latch release means in the form of a stop member is provided in thehousing directly below the latch spring to limit its downward travel.

In operation, downward movement of the operating handle or rod effectsdownward movement of the second cylinder and, by means of the latchspring, corresponding downward movement of the actuation member. Duringsuch downward movement, both the action spring and the return spring arecharged or compressed. At a predetermined point in such downwardmovement, the latch release means or stop member engages the bottom sideof the latch spring and prevents further downward movement thereof.However, downward movement of the actuation member and the secondcylinder continues until the latch spring begins to assume a curvedshape and the ends thereof are drawn inwardly into the second cylinderand out of engagement with the collar or latch engagement means on theactuation member. When this disengagement occurs, the actuation memberis free to move upwardly and does so rapidly as the action springdischarges or decompresses. As the actuation member springs upwardly, itforces the animals head resting thereon to travel rapidly up the rod andthen fall back in place. As the downward pressure on the rod isreleased, the second cylinder moves upwardly to resume its normalposition under the action of the return spring and the latter alsoforces the latch spring ends outwardly through the holes in the secondcylinder and back into engagement with the collar of the actuationmember. The toy and animation mechanism thereof are again in readinessfor operation.

The actuation member is provided with an outwardly extending rigidlyattached arm and a compressible bellows type sounding device is locatedbetween the arm and the floor of the base. As the device is compressedand decompressed by movement of the actuation member, it emits a sound.

DRAWINGS.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an animated toy in accordance with theinvention showing the figure head in normal at-rest position;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the figure head inmotion;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken on line 33 of FIG. 1 and showing theanimation mechanism in at-rest positron;

FIG. 3A is a cross section view of the animation mechanism taken on line3A-3A of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged detail view of the latch means of FIG. 3, showingit in latched position;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the animation mechanism shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the operating handledo'wnwardly depressed and just after release release of the latch meansbut prior to upward return of the actuation member of the animationmechanism;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged detail view of the latch means of FIG. 5 showingit in unlatched position; and

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the operating handlefully depressed and the actuation member of the animation mechanismreleased and returned to its normal at-rest position.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, ananimated plastic toy 10 comprises a hollow base 12 representing ananimals body which contains an animation mechanism 14, shown in FIGS. 3,4, 5 and 6 but not in FIGS. 1 and 2, having an actuation member 20 whichextends from an opening 15 in the base. A vertically disposed movableoperating handle or rod 16 is connected to mechanism 14 and extendsupwardly from base 12. A lightweight movable member representing theanimals head 18 is provided with a hole 21 which adapts it to beslidably mounted on rod 16. Rod 16 has a knob 17 on its upper end whichserves as a hand grip and also to limit travel of head 18. Head 18normally rests on or against actuation member 20 of animation mechanism14. When rod 16 is pressed axially downwardly for a short distance, themember 20 of animation mechanism 14 and head 18 move downwardlytherewith. Further downward movement of rod 16 then triggers areleasable latch means 66 in animation mechanism 14 (not shown in FIGS.1 and 2) so that member 20 thereof springs upwardly abruptly therebycausing head 18 to slide or jump rapidly upwardly along rod 16, as shownin FIG. 2, and then fall back in place as shown in FIG. 1. Upon releaseof downward pressure on rod 16, the rod returns to normal position andanimation mechanism 14 automatically resets for the next operation. Thehead 18 is provided with large pivotably mounted ears 22 held in placeby pins 24 and which flop or rotate as the head springs upwardly. Thepins 24 are offset forwardly of the ear centerlines so that they tend topivot when the head 18 moves forcefully upward. Base or body 12 isprovided with a tail in the form ofa flexible spring 22 to which a ball23 is attached. A sounding device in the base, not visible in FIGS. 1and 2, emits a sound each time member 20 of mechanism 14 is depressedand released.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, base 12 comprises a lower portion 26 towhich an upper shell 28 is attached. Lower portion 26 comprisesintegrally formed projections 30 and 31 which afford rigid support foranimation mechanism 14 and sounding device 32, respectively. Upper shell28 is provided with opening 33 in which a collar 35 having opening 15therein is disposed. Collar 35 serves a decorative function and alsoserves as a guide or shim for actuation member 20 of animation mechanism14.

Sounding device 32 takes the form of a flexible bellows having an airhole 34 therein and a whistle or squeaker 36 is located within thebellows and connected to air hole 34.

Animation mechanism 14 is shown in detail in FIGS. 3, 4,5 and 6. In FIG.3 it is shown in the inactive,

uncharged or at-rest condition. In FIG. 4 it is shown in an explodedview. In FIG. 5 it is shown partially depressed and just prior torelease. In FIG. 6 it is shown after release but with portions thereofdepressed.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, animation mechanism 14 comprises acylindrical housing 40 which fits snugly within and is supported by theprojection 30 on lower portion 26 of base 12. Housing 40, whichcomprises two section which are jointed is provided with a circularopening 42 and surrounding flange 44 at its upper end and with avertical slot 46 in one side. Housing 40 is provided with an integrallyformed interior cylindrical guide 48 and with an integrally formedupright latch release or stop member 50. Actuation member 20,hereinbefore referred to, takes the form of a hollow cylindrical whichis vertically movable within housing 40. The upper end of actuationmember 20 extends through the opening 15 in collar 35. A cylindricallyshaped biasing or compression type action spring 52 is disposed inhousing 40 between the lower end of actuation member 20 and the floor ofthe housing. Means are provided to limit upward travel of actuationmember 20 and comprise a flange 54 on member 20 which cooperates withflange 44 on housing 40. Actuation member 20 is provided with aninternal annular collar 56 which serves as a means whereby it isdepressed downwardly. Actuation member 20 is provided with an outwardlyextending rigidly attached arm 58 which extends through slot 46 inhousing 40 and engages sounding device 32 which is located between thearm and the floor of base 12. As sounding device 32 is compressed andreleased by movement of actuation member 20, it emits a sound.

As second member of cylinder 60 is disposed in sliding engagement withinactuation member 20 and is provided at its upper end with rod attachmentmeans 61 to which rod or handle 16 is secured. Means are provided tolimit upward travel of second cylinder 60 and comprise a flange 63 oncylinder 60 which cooperates with the underside of flange 54 onactuation member 20. Second cylinder 60 is provided with two oppositelydisposed holes 62 in its side wall through which the ends 64 of areleasable latch means in the form of a flexible plastic latch or leafspring 66 extend and engage the upper surface of annular collar 56 ofactuation member 20. A cylindrically shaped biasing or compression typereturn spring 68 is disposed around stop member 50 between latch spring66 and the floor of housing 40. Latch spring 66 is provided with a stem70 on its upper side which slidably engages a hole 72 in the rodattachment means 61 of second cylinder 60. This arrangement serves tosupport, properly locate and guide latch spring 66. A cylindricallyshaped balancing spring 74 is disposed on stem 70 between the rodattachment means 61 of second cylinder 60 and the top of latch spring 66to limit and control upward travel of the latch spring.

OPERATION Assume first that toy l0 and its operating mechanism 14 are inthe configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

In operation, downward movement of rod 16 effects downward movement ofsecond cylinder 60 and, by means of latch spring 66 acting on collar 56of actuation member 20, effects corresponding downward movement ofactuation member 20 and second cylinder 60. During such downwardmovement, both action spring 52 and return spring 68 are compressed, asshown in FIG. 5. At a predetermined point in such downward movement,stop member 50 engages the bottom side of latch spring 66 and preventsfurther downward movement thereof, as shown in FIG. 5. Further downwardmovement of rod 16, second cylinder 60 and actuation member 20 continuesuntil latch spring 66 begins to assume an exaggerated curved shape andthe ends 64 thereof are drawn inwardly into second cylinder 60 and outof engagement with collar 56 on actuation member 20. When thisdisengagement occurs, actuation member 20 is free to move upwardly anddoes so rapidly as action spring 52 decompresses, as shown in FIG. 6. Asactuation member 20 springs upwardly, it forces head 18 resting thereonto travel rapidly up the rod 16, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, and thenfall back in place, as shown in FIG. 1. Since rod 16 is still depressed,the actuation mechanism 14 assumes the configuration shown in FIG. 6. Asthe downward pressure on rod 16 is released, second cylinder 60 movesupwardly from the position shown in FIG. 6 to resume its normal position(shown in FIG. 3) under the action of return spring 68 and the latteralso forces the ends 64 of latch spring 66 outwardly through the holes62 in second cylinder 60 and back into engagement with collar 56 ofactuation member 20 which has returned to the position shown in FIG. 6.The toy 10 and animation mechanism 14 thereof are again in readiness foranother operation.

I claim: 1. In an animated toy: a base, actuating means on said base,said actuating means being movable between discharged and chargedpositions, a manually movable rod connected to said actuating means, anda figure slidably mounted on said rod and having an at-rest positionwherein it is adapted to be engaged by said actuating means as thelatter moves from charged to discharged position, said rod being movablein one direction to move said actuating means from discharged to chargedposition and being further movable in said one direction to effectmovement of said actuating means from charged position to dischargedposition wherein said actuating means engages said figure and causes itto slide on said rod. 2. A toy according to claim 1 wherein said rod isvertically disposed and wherein said figure occupies and returns to saidat-rest position under the force of gravity.

3. A toy according to claim 2 wherein said actuating means comprises asounding device which emits a sound when said actuating means is movingto at least one of its said positions.

4. A toy according to claim 2 wherein said actuating means comprises amovable actuation member for en gagement with said figure and anactuation spring for cooperation with said actuation member.

5. A toy according to claim 4 wherein said actuating means furthercomprises a movable member attached to said rod and releasable latchingmeans between said movable member and said movable actuation member.

6. A toy according to clalm 4 wherein said actuating means comprises asounding device disposed between a portion of said actuation member andsaid base.

7. A toy according to claim 2 which is in the form of an animal withsaid base taking the form of the body of said animal and said figuretaking; the form of the head of said animal.

8. A toy according to claim 7 wherein said head is provided with earswhich are movably mounted thereon.

9. In an animated toy:

a base,

actuating means on said base and comprising a movable actuation member,an actuation spring therefor, a movable member, releasable latch meanson said movable member for engagement with said actuation member, latchrelease means on said base for cooperation with said latch means and areturn spring for said movable member and said latch means,

a rod connected to said movable member,

and a figure slidably mounted on said rod and having an at-rest positionwherein it is adapted to be engaged by said actuation member,

said rod being movable a predetermined distance in one direction withrespect to said base to effect corresponding movement of said movablemember and said actuation means through said latch means and charging ofsaid actuation spring and said return spring, said rod being furthermovable in said one direction to effect engagement of said latch releasemeans and said latch whereby said latch disengages from said actuationmember thereby allowing said actuation spring to effect independentmovement of said actuation member with respect to said movable member.

1. In an animated toy: a base, actuating means on said base, said actuating means being movable between discharged and charged positions, a manually movable rod connected to said actuating means, and a figure slidably mounted on said rod and having an at-rest position wherein it is adapted to be engaged by said actuating means as the latter moves from charged to discharged position, said rod being movable in one direction to move said actuating means from discharged to charged position and being further movable in said one direction to effect movement of said actuating means from charged position to discharged position wherein said actuating means engages said figure and causes it to slide on said rod.
 2. A toy according to claim 1 wherein said rod is vertically disposed and wherein said figure occupies and returns to said at-rest position under the force of gravity.
 3. A toy according to claim 2 wherein said actuating means comprises a sounding device which emits a sound when said actuating means is moving to at least one of its said positions.
 4. A toy according to claim 2 wherein said actuating means comprises a movable actuation member for engagement with said figure and an actuation spring for cooperation with said actuation member.
 5. A toy according to claim 4 wherein said actuating means further comprises a movable member attached to said rod and releasable latching means between said movable member and said movable actuation member.
 6. A toy according to claim 4 wherein said actuating means comprises a sounding device disposed between a portion of said actuation member and said base.
 7. A toy according to claim 2 which is in the form of an animal with said base taking the form of the body of said animal and said figure taking the form of the head of said animal.
 8. A toy according to claim 7 wherein said head is provided with ears which are movably mounted thereon.
 9. In an animated toy: a base, actuating means on said base and comprising a movable actuation member, an actuation spring therefor, a movable member, releasable latch means on said movable member for engagement with said actuation member, latch release means on said base for cooperation with said latch means and a return spring for said movable member and said latch means, a rod connected to said movable member, and a figure slidably mounted on said rod and having an at-rest position wherein it is adapted to be engaged by said actuation member, said rod being movable a predetermined distance in one direction with respect to said base to effect corresponding movement of said movable member and said actuation means through said latch means and charging of said actuation spring and said return spring, said rod being further movable in said one direction to effect engagement of said latch release means and said latch whereby said latch disengages from said actuation member thereby allowing said actuation spring to effect independent movement of said actuation member with respect to said movable member. 